When you don’t want to attend college after high school, you can still have a lucrative career that doesn’t involve working in a restaurant or a retail store. There are jobs available that pay well and that will support you for the rest of your lifetime. Here are five high-quality careers that you can consider that don’t require a college degree.
Work as a Vehicle Mechanic
If you enjoy working on your own vehicle to make upgrades or repairs, then consider a job as a mechanic. You can apply to vehicle repair shops in your region to work as an apprentice next to knowledgeable mechanics. With time, you will learn more skills, including understanding how to work on different brands and models of vehicles. After a few years, you can open your own vehicle repair shop so that you can hire other mechanics.
Work as a Cosmetologist
You can work in the beauty care industry in several ways by training for a few months. Some regions require licensing as a cosmetologist, but you will learn in a more practical environment for only a few months rather than enrolling in four years of college classes. Within the beauty industry, you can learn specialty services such as working as a manicurist or a makeup artist. After gaining experience and becoming a cosmetologist, you can own your own hair salon or day spa.
Work as a Mail Carrier
When you like to work outside, you can become a mail carrier who delivers letters and parcels in large cities, small towns or rural areas. This job requires driving a vehicle to arrive at a destination along with carrying heavy bags of letters. The government requires you to take an examination to become a mail carrier. You must understand how to read maps, street signs and addresses so that you deliver mail correctly.
Work as a Plumber
Homeowners and business managers need knowledgeable plumbers to make installations and repairs to bathroom and kitchen fixtures. In most regions, plumbers are licensed, so you must become apprenticed with a knowledgeable plumber. You will study books to understand some aspects of plumbing, but most of your learning will occur on-the-job as you make a repair to a bathtub, water heater or sink. With enough experience, you can open your own plumbing company rather than working for someone else.
Work as a Truck Driver
If you enjoy being independent, then you can become a professional truck driver. This type of job requires learning how to drive larger trucks, so you must have practical training. You can attend a driving school like Makene’s Driving School or a similar institution to learn the ropes of the job. You will also learn more about the driving regulations in various regions along with knowing how to load and unload a truck to pick up merchandise and to make deliveries. With this job, you get to travel through many different areas, and it is the perfect job if you like to travel.
Prepare Your Information
In order to enter these careers, you must interview with other professionals such as a beautician or plumber. Collect your information, including your high school diploma, driver’s license and previous job history so that you can begin the process of having a lucrative career without attending college for four years.